Vice President, Finance

RHH202201

Distribution/ Wholesale

THE COMPANY

Confidential- 2^nd generation family business in the Industrial Distribution industry.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Vice President, Finance will be responsible for and report out on strategic and tactical matters as they relate to GAAP, accounting functions, budget management, cost-benefit analysis, and forecasting. The VP, Finance prepares and/or directs the preparation of reports, which summarize and forecast business activity and the company’s financial position. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in areas of forecasting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, income, expenses, earnings and cash flow, and reporting based on past, present, and expected operations. Our client is seeking a solutions-minded, hands-on executive who will roll up their sleeves and manage multiple functions. This role will provide leadership in establishing and improving efficiencies, systems, processes, and procedures within the organization. The Vice President, Finance will instill a sense of empowerment and accountability amongst the team. This is a dynamic opportunity to help shape the future of the company with the autonomy to do it.

This position reports directly to the President with four (4) direct reports.

JOB DEFINITION

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the mission at hand and will actively participate both strategically and tactically in the company. The VP, Finance will be positive and forward-thinking, with proven financial/operational leadership experience with broad cross-functional responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the company’s financial operations. This leader must be highly knowledgeable in wholesale, distribution, and/or industrial services. Further, this includes the management of internal and external relationships as necessary to assure compliance with regulatory and company standards. A strong communicator and skilled financial manager, it will be their mission to streamline budgeting and financial reporting processes and work to optimize the use of the company’s ERP system. They will produce thorough financial-status reports for the executive team to help improve operational efficiency and aid in continued departmental optimization. They will partner with executive leadership on due diligence and accurate financial analysis for acquisitional opportunities. As a value-added partner to the internal team, this executive will help elevate the business to the next level with a “want to win” attitude and knows what it takes to get there. Additionally, this role will provide appropriate analysis, insights, and advice to the executive team in a manner that assures good business decisions are made with timely, accurate, and relevant information.

SKILLS

The VP, Finance will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial management of the company. They will partner with the leadership of the company to provide consultative support on planning initiatives through meaningful financial information and analyses. They will be an integral part of the leadership team and will actively participate in the future visioning of the company as it grows both organically and strategically.

Leadership and Management:

Participate in the development and support of the company’s strategic plan.
Provide expertise to the leadership team; Communicate accurate financial information, data, and metrics to help them make informed decisions.
Challenge the leadership team to excel and improve, as well as be coachable.
Set an example of a strong work ethic with a desire and determination to work hard to achieve goals.
Possess a “do what it takes to get the job done” mindset while being dedicated to delivering work in a timely manner.
Team player; model a positive and collaborative behavior.
Present business goals transparently and explain them in a way that is understandable at all levels within the company.
Make business (finance and accounting) decisions with confidence and act on them with a high sense of urgency.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

Clear communication and liaison efforts between finance and operations; Proactively bring strategic finance thought partnership through best-in-class financial expertise to ongoing tactical and strategic business initiatives as well as insights from industry.
Develop and maintain effective, long-term relationships with all internal and external stakeholders
Manage all financial forecasting and planning processes while monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of the company, by department and function.
Compile and analyze financial reporting packages, prepare monthly and annual operating budgets, consolidate statements, reconcile balance sheets, and ensure timely and accurate reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Develop, implement, and execute aggressive but realistic annual plans targeted to increase accounting and finance efficiencies.
Provide guidance to ensure relevant and timely delivery of all financial reporting and planning outputs.
Champion greater utilization and optimization of the current ERP system.
Develop and manage financial controls in accordance with the company’s procedures.
Assess current accounting operations and systems and offer recommendations for improvement and implementing new processes.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of ten years of experience in senior-level finance or accounting positions with the day-to-day financial operations of an organization of at least $80M in annual sales.
Proven creative problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and financial management with vendors and customers.
Experience managing HR and IT functions including the oversight and management of 3^rd party vendor providers.
Proven ability in finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP.
Must have knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems with deep experience working with an ERP system and/or implementing one is desired.
Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
Demonstrated degree of passion and energy with a laser focus on execution and results; Highly focused, organized, analytical thinker who initiates as opposed to reacts.
Strong Midwestern work ethic; e.g., “roll-up your sleeves” leader, with a proven “take-charge” record of accomplishment.
An open, honest, and respectful communication style tailored to the audience. Must be comfortable speaking in public, in formal and informal settings.
Displays stamina, energy and is committed to personal growth and development for themself and others.
Stellar work ethic; willing to do work hard to get the job done.
Proven ability to demonstrate the highest level of integrity with impeccable analytic and organizational skills.
Ability to adapt, prioritize and react quickly to changes; Self-motivated, self-directed, and thick-skinned.
Proactive financial leadership and possesses a sense of urgency and is a creative problem-solver.
Team player with a sense of humor and the ability to use their authority appropriately.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline is required; MBA desired.
Accounting designation of CMA, CGA, or equivalent combination of related experience and education.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Eric Hohauser

Lead Consultant

Sam Frank

VP, Executive Search

Jodi Ellis

Director, Executive Recruitment